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Click on the following links for more detailed
area information:
Ashe County |
Watauga
County |
Watauga County - Click to See Our
Boone NC Real
Estate Listings
 Watauga
County lies in the beautiful Blue Ridge
Mountains of North Carolina, Watauga is an
Indian name often translated "whispering
waters," "beautiful waters" or "land of the
beyond," all of which describe the area.
Boone, the county seat and home of
Appalachian State
University, is known as the Heart of
the High Country. It is listed in two editions
of The 100 Best Small Towns in America, in the
1995 edition of Where to Retire and as a
Platinum winner for Best Mountain Town in the
1998 Blue Ridge Country Magazine.
Blowing Rock became one of the South’s first
resorts in the late 1800s when wealthy families
sought to escape the flatland’s heat and
disease. Grand hotels, of which the Green Park
Inn remains, provided vacationers with first
class accommodations and entertainment. The town
continues this tradition offering genteel
comfort, cool air and beautiful mountain vistas
to visitors.
 Watauga
County is a naturalist and outdoor person’s
paradise. There are mountains to climb; cliffs
to scale; rivers to swim, raft or canoe; areas
to camp; caves for the spelunker; scenic country
roads to explore; trails to hike; rare and
diverse plant and animal wildlife (many on the
endangered species list) to appreciate and
majestic views to awe even the most traveled.
Six golf courses are within the county. Nine
additional courses are in the High Country area.
For the horseback rider, Moses Cone Park off the
Blue Ridge Parkway provides over 27 miles of
trails, and the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show,
the oldest continuing horse show in the country,
attracts many of the best equestrians in the
United States. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs
through Watauga County. Hundreds of thousands of
motorists leisurely drive the Parkway every year
to enjoy the spectacular scenery. |
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Demographics
(Source:
QuickFacts) |
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Population, 2004 |
42,457 |
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Age, 2000 |
Persons under 5 years old: 3.9%
Persons under 18 years old: 16.3%
Persons 65 years old and over: 11.0%
Female persons: 50.2% |
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Race, 2000 |
White: 96.5%
Black or African American: 1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3%
Asian persons: 0.6%
Persons reporting some other race: 0.5%
Persons reporting two or more races:
0.6%
White persons, not of Hispanic/Latino
origin: 95.4%
Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin:
1.5% |
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Education, 2000 |
High school graduates, percent of
persons age 25+, 2000: 81.6%
Bachelor's degree or higher, pct of
persons age 25+, 2000: 33.2% |
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Households, 1999-2000 |
Households: 16,540
Persons per household: 2.26
Median household income: $32,611
Per capita money income: $17,258 |
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Geography, 2000 |
Land area: 313 square miles
Persons per square mile: 136.6 |
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Things to Do |
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Chambers of Commerce |
Boone
Blowing Rock
Banner Elk |
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High Country Host |
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Attractions and Amusements |
Tweetsie Railroad
Tweetsie Railroad is North Carolina's
oldest theme park. A three mile train
ride takes you back to the days of the
old west. There are also amusement rides
for all ages and live entertainment
throughout the park.
Grandfather
Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is one of the High
Country's most visited attractions.
Grandfather's main attractions include
its beautiful alpine hiking trails, mile
high swinging bridge and nature museum.
Grandfather is home to various festivals
and special events throughout the year
including the Highland Games. During
this unique event, over one hundred
Scottish clans and societies sponsor
this celebration of Scottish dance,
music and athletics. Located on US
Highway 221, two miles north of
Linville, North Carolina, it is just a
short drive for a day of family fun.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Parkway follows the Appalachian
Mountain chain and provides seemingly
endless views of many parallel ranges
connected by cross ranges and scattered
hills. From Shenandoah National Park to
the Great Smokies, the parkway spans 369
miles.
Wildlife is abundant along the Parkway.
During the day woodchucks, chipmunks and
squirrels can be seen. At night, skunks,
bobcats, foxes, opossums, and raccoons
may be seen along the roadsides.
Whitetail deer and black bears are
present, but seldom seen. Look for them
in early morning or evening.
Linville Falls and
Linville Caverns
Linville Falls is one of the many
natural wonders of the High Country. A
short walk from the parking area unveils
the beauty of the falls. Five minutes
away from the falls, you can explore the
natural limestone caverns of Linville
Caverns. For a small admission fee, you
can experience the power and beauty of
nature. |
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Recreation |
Fishing
Gem Mining
Golf
Hiking
Rock Climbing
Skiing
Whitewater Rafting
For more information, visit
High Country
Outdoors |
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Museums |
Appalachian
Cultural Museum
Museum of North Carolina Minerals |
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If you have any
questions or would like more information, please contact us
336-246-5555, 800-979-5556,
email us, or use our
online
request form.
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